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We Are SkillsUSA

Who We Are, What We Do and Why We Do It

We Are SkillsUSA

SkillsUSA is the #1 workforce development organization for students. We empower students to become skilled professionals, career-ready leaders and responsible community members.

Overview

Representing more than 442,000 career and technical education students and teachers, SkillsUSA chapters thrive in middle schools, high schools and college/postsecondary institutions nationwide. Our mission is accomplished through the SkillsUSA Framework of Personal Skills, Workplace Skills and Technical Skills Grounded in Academics, which is integrated into classroom curriculum.

Through the Framework, SkillsUSA students hone their hands-on skills against current industry standards in more than 130 occupational areas, from 3D Animation to Welding and nearly everything in between. At the same time, they develop the transformative career-readiness skills — teamwork, communication, professionalism, leadership and more — that fuel career and life success.

A vital solution to the ongoing skills gap, where more highly skilled jobs are available than skilled professionals ready to fill them, SkillsUSA has served over 15 million diverse, difference-making members since 1965.

Mission

SkillsUSA is America’s proud champion of the skilled trades. Our mission is to empower students to become skilled professionals, career-ready leaders and responsible community members.

Vision

SkillsUSA’s vision is to produce the most highly skilled workforce in the world, providing every member the opportunity for career success.

Values

The success of SkillsUSA’s mission depends on the commitment of our staff and stakeholders to the following values:

We are consistent and authentic in word and action to each other, our members and the communities we serve.

Respect is foundational. Our self-awareness precedes our ability to connect with each other and our members while mutually valuing our unique experiences.

We are accountable to the whole of our organization, from internal staff to our diverse group of stakeholders. Through listening, learning and acting, we engage in our shared commitment to realizing a collective vision.

We value and belong to a diverse community. We strive to do our best in service through continuous reflection and growth.

SkillsUSA acts through the willing service of staff and committed volunteers to empower its members and their communities to reach their highest potential.

Celebrating Our Members

SkillsUSA shares member stories on its SkillsUSA Champions website as a way to recognize, celebrate, and learn from the experiences, cultures, histories, and contributions of the varied communities that comprise our organization and the nation’s workforce. These stories reinforce our organization’s values and the richness of every individual’s background and experiences. 

Share your story with us.

SkillsUSA Framework

SkillsUSA’s mission is accomplished through the SkillsUSA Framework of Personal Skills, Workplace Skills and Technical Skills Grounded in Academics. The foundation for everything we do, the Framework is the blueprint for career-readiness. It’s a common language for students to explain to their peers, employers, school administrators and parents what they gain from SkillsUSA.

A total of 17 “Essential Elements” are divided among the Framework’s three components. What’s an Essential Element? It’s a specific skill identified as crucial to success by the more than 1,000 industry partners who helped create the Framework.

Building a Culture of Belonging and Opportunity

Commitments to our Communities

SkillsUSA strives to ensure inclusive participation in all of our programs, partnerships and employment opportunities. We strive to make all members, partners and employees feel welcomed and valued in the SkillsUSA family. SkillsUSA believes in treating all people with respect and dignity. We want SkillsUSA to be regarded as a membership organization of choice that encourages all individuals to be involved.

  1. SkillsUSA is committed to serving the diversity of members within our schools and communities.
  2. SkillsUSA holds itself accountable to advancing the needs of marginalized students and will endeavor to serve as a leader in this capacity within career and technical education.
  3. SkillsUSA identifies and actively removes barriers to equitable access for members while providing inclusive opportunities for students to grow.
  4. SkillsUSA is committed to critical reflection and continuous learning.
  5. SkillsUSA, the organization, is focused on equity within its work environment.

Statement of Non-Discrimination

SkillsUSA is committed to a learning and working environment free from all forms of discrimination. SkillsUSA prohibits any discrimination, within any program or activity, including on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, gender transition status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information or marital status as required by law. Retaliation against any person who reports or participates as a witness in the investigation of a discrimination and/or harassment complaint is strictly prohibited.

Filing a Complaint
To report discrimination, bias or harassment, you may submit your concerns through our online form. If you’d prefer to mail your concerns, use this printable form.

Mail responses to:
Human Resources Manager
673 Potomac Station Dr., PMB #809 Leesburg, VA 20176

View our SkillsUSA Code of Conduct for members who attend our state and national conferences.